Oscar producers 'hope for the best' during live show

8:35 PM,
Feb. 25, 2014

This film image released by Sony - Columbia Pictures shows Tom Hanks, center, in 'Captain Phillips.' The movie is nominated for an Oscar for best motion picture of the year. along with five other nominations. This year's best picture race at the 86th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2, 2014, has shaped up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. (AP Photo/Sony - Columbia Pictures)

Written by

Bryan Alexander
| USATODAY

On the surface, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan come across as polished pros, but underneath lies a thrill-seeking streak that has made them the go-to producers for live televised events.

Their nerves will be put to the test again Sunday with the 86th Academy Awards broadcast, which is likely to draw an international viewing audience of some 40 million. And those Oscar fans will be waiting, just waiting, for something unscripted to occur, be it a stumble by a star, a streaker or a one-armed push-up.